Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of tongue cancer. It usually appears as a pinkish-gray or red bump or sore on the side of the tongue. Symptoms include changes in the tongue's appearance, pain, and problems tasting or speaking. Squamous cell carcinoma generally affects older adults and is more common in men, as smoking and drinking alcohol increase risk. Treatment options depend on the size and extent of cancer but may include surgery, laser therapy, radiation, or chemotherapy. Regular dental exams and avoiding tobacco, excessive alcohol, and sun exposure can help prevent squamous cell carcinoma.
2. EWW?! WHAT IS IT?!
Most common of tongue cancers
Usually on the lateral border (side) of tongue
Somewhat of a pinkish-gray to red in color
3. SYMPTOMS
Bumps or sores
Burning feeling
Change in color, such as a white or dark tongue
Hairy texture or appearance
Itching
Movement problems
Pain and soreness
Patches or spots that can be red, white, smooth or raised
Swelling, enlargement or bloating
Taste problems
Tremor
4. WHO HAS IT?
Generally affects the older age groups—although a rare few in
their 20’s and 30’s have it
More men than women because statistically, more men than
women smoke/drink than women
Any race can be affected
5. TREATMENTS
It usually depends on the size, but it can be removed by:
• Minor surgery (or tropical medicine)
• Simple excision
• Mohs Surgery
• Laser therapy
• Freezing
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
6. HOW CAN I PREVENT IT?
Regular oral checkups
Try to refrain from smoking or chewing tobacco
Decrease alcohol consumption
Avoid chronic sun exposure
7. WORKS CITED
American Oral Cancer Clinic (2011). Tongue Cancer. Retrieved from
http://www.tonguecancer.com/tongue_cancer.htm
Cancer-Info-Guide.com (2011). Tongue Cancer or Cancer of the Tongue. Retrieved from
http://www.cancer-info-guide.com/tongue-cancer.html
Cancer8 (2012). Tongue Cancer Breakthrough. Retrieved from http://www.cancer8.com/tongue-
cancer/breakthrough.html
Ketcham, S. (2012). How to Prevent Oral Cancer. Retrieved from
http://www.ehow.com/how_5016233_prevent-oral-cancer.html
Medicinenet.com (2012). Oral Cancer. Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/oral_cancer/article.htm
OCF, Inc. (2011). The Oral Cancer Foundation. Retrieved from http://oralcancerfoundation.org